Hayek writing in 1956 on the nature of Conservatism seems relevant today:
“It is true, of course, that in the struggle against the believers in the all-powerful state the true liberal(original 19th century sense) must sometimes make common cause with the conservative, and in some circumstances, as in contemporary Britain, he has
hardly any other way of actively working for his ideals. But true liberalism is still distinct from conservatism, and there is danger in the two being confused.
Conservatism, though a necessary element in any stable society, is not a social program; in its paternalistic, nationalistic, and power-adoring tendencies it is
often closer to socialism than true liberalism; and with its traditionalistic, anti-intellectual, and often mystical propensities it will never, except in short periods
of disillusionment, appeal to the young and all those others who believe that some changes are desirable if this world is to become a better place.”
